If I Fall or if I Misstep?

I know the last few weeks I've been showing you my scrapbook work as I'm trying to dig deeply in to my crazy stash, but I haven't abandoned my bible journaling either. So today I wanted to show you what I have been up to lately with that project! 

In April, I fell in love with a new church that I was drawn to try. I always seem to lose myself in the sermons and the songs seem to pull at my emotions so hard. Its definitely made me re-evaluate my relationship with God on some levels that I clearly needed. I have always felt spirited and believed but never really studied the bible. I feel now it reaches me in a new way and I am excited about where this journey is leading me. 

But like I said the music reaches me on a whole different level, it's modern and deep lyrics. I'm always inspired by music anyways so it makes no exception with these songs. That's what majority of my journaling pages are based off of, is lyrics that tugged at me in a certain way.

For the last 8 weeks, our sermon series was based on the Gospel of Mark. During one of the weeks' communion, they sang the song "A Prayer Song" which was an absolutely profound performance. I was definitely blown away and the lyrics touched my soul.  

For this page I pinpointed in Mark 15: 33-39

33 Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”[a]

35 Some of those who stood by, when they heard that, said, “Look, He is calling for Elijah!” 36 Then someone ran and filled a sponge full of sour wine, put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink, saying, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to take Him down.”

37 And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last.

38 Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last,[b] he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!”

I thought it fit with the part of the song that I really loved. I found while digging in my supplies the "washed away my sins" which was gray so I took a black / white look on the page. I was hoping to have more word stickers that coordinated with the lyrics but when I couldn't get all the words- I substituted with some letter stickers ... not quite sure I'm happy with the outcome but it still gets the point across.   

I can't wait to share with you more pieces of my bible journal. It's a special part of my journey and I want to be able to remember these pieces of song that have touched my heart with God's love. Also to share that love with you as well. 

xo. Renee 

You're So Cool, I'm Not Even Mad.

I have told you numerous times that I am still not done with pictures from the Luke Bryan concert and clearly, I was right. I keep finding gems that I want to scrapbook- hey, it was the one occasion that I actually took a million photos so I'm soaking it all up! 

As I have been lately, I'm trying to use up as much as my scrapbook supplies as possible before I venture out and buy more. I have literally enough to start my own store- it's crazy but I have made a nice dent and been doing successful since June! Omitting one purchase of Cocoa Vanilla's Bohemian Dream. I know there would be no chance of me finding it later when I am able to restock my supplies so get it before it's gone! 

But anyways back to this page! 

So again, I found this cute picture of me and my best friend's two foreign exchange daughters. They were able to come with us to the concert and I loved that they did, it was a great way to get to know them better as well as introduce her to crazy American country concerts! I was inspired by Missy Whidden with making the heart out of strips of paper - which of course, with stash- I had plenty of! Most of them were from Dear Lizzy's collection Lovely Day which is gorgeous and I'm surprised I hadn't used more of it! The background paper, I know - I was definitely hoarding for something good but I have been telling myself lately- if I don't use it now, it'll just still be there in a few months. 

I used a piece of scrap paper to trace out a heart- then placed the strips tucked underneath one another to cover the shape. Took it at an angle to form something different on my page- I as always- created layers behind my photo embellished around it as well as made another spot diagonal from it with journaling and embellishments.   I love how I used the hot air balloons across the top of the page- I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to use them for anything. Worked perfectly on this page; it all came together nicely!! 

I hope I have inspired you to use up the stuff you know you've been hoarding for so long. Sometimes the stuff you've been hoping to save for a better page just works on a page you never imagined to put together in the first place.  Such as this! 

xo. Renee 

#Besties.

An idea that I've recently thought of doing- inspired by others who are using up their stash was to make my own kits out of what's left in my stash. So this is a little kit that I put together with stash of both papers as well as embellishments. This isn't all that I put together at the beginning but just like getting a normal kit- you use what you feel fits and save the rest for another page. Or in my case, throw it back in the respective stash piles and re-make new kits. 

I thought with the pink, flowers, and love that I'd use this picture of me and my bestie from my birthday. I wanted a cluster at the upper corner and the lower corner doing a diagonal with the design. Both have a base of using a journaling card- than layer bits and pieces of embellishments and paper. To me, kind of reminds me of a messy desk- but the important things are on top. Anyways, I found a sticker that said "besties" - thought it would be perfect for this page as well as the gold accents I have. Added little glasses to the bunny piece because we both have glasses on and so - she should also. Assuming bunny is a girl.

I thought this page came together pretty well considering not many of the pieces were actually together in a collection. In the past- I wouldn't have thought to do that but since using my stash up- I found most of my pages now have stuff that isn't relevant to each other at all except for some common idea I sprung in my head. I hope you enjoyed this page and challenge yourself to make your own kit out of what you have left lying around! Never know what kind of pages you can magically create. 

xo. Renee

Paper Issues: Imperfectly Perfect.

A few weekends ago my favorite Facebook Group/Scrapbook store, Paper Issues, had a online crop with tons of challenges and games! If you've followed me, or Paper Issues- you know they do this about twice a year and it's literally one of my favorite weekends of the year. I try to take off work and follow along bundled up in my room; which I still need to clean from the crop- I literally slept on the couch for a few days. Lord help me. This year though, I couldn't get out of it- working was a must. So I didn't get as much accomplished as I had wanted but it still provides me with inspiration for a while!

For this challenge the ladies at Paper Issues asked us to make a project that didn't use any paper trimmers. So it could only be with scissors, die cuts, or silhouette. I- of course- I know you're shocked- had a few more photos from the Luke Bryan concert left that I wanted to scrap. So I thought with the ideas I came up with would be perfect for this! 

As I was strolling through my stash, I saw an old paper of Iowa that I had hoarded - basically because lets be honest, I didn't know how I was going to use it. Trying to be all Iowa proud and... failed. Anyways, I finally thought- lets give this a go. I fussy cut the state out of the paper and placed it upon this other paper that I thought matched my photos so well! I used what was left of my Simple Stories' Cabin Fever cut aparts as layering bits behind the photo. Being they were already cut out, ripped apart- I didn't need to use a paper trimmer for them.  As usual, I just threw embellishments around the page- included some of the flowers I cut out from the cut aparts in the title as well as by the photos.  The title, I used tiny washi underneath to make it pop from the page a bit. 

The lyric I used for the title - pretty much sums the concert up. We turned a cornfield in the middle of Iowa in to a Luke Bryan concert and it was so much fun!! I absolutely love how this page turned out- I know- I say it everytime but this is a new favorite!!  Even though the crop is over, take a look on the Facebook group at the submissions others have put in and try your hand at the challenges! Its a great way to use up all your stash, which I'm trying so hard to do!!!  Hope you enjoyed this page, come back to check out more!! 

xo. Renee

Paper Issues: Sketch

A few weekends ago my favorite Facebook Group/Scrapbook store, Paper Issues, had a online crop with tons of challenges and games! If you've followed me, or Paper Issues- you know they do this about twice a year and it's literally one of my favorite weekends of the year. I try to take off work and follow along bundled up in my room; which I still need to clean from the crop- I literally slept on the couch for a few days. Lord help me. This year though, I couldn't get out of it- working was a must. So I didn't get as much accomplished as I had wanted but it still provides me with inspiration for a while!

This is one of my favorite pages I was able to get done for the crop. I followed along with the Sketch challenge to create this masterpiece.  Also, you thought I was done with pages about my friend mister Luke Bryan- you are surely mistaken. Muahaha. 

The sketch called for 3 pictures, well- I have a plenty from the Luke Bryan concert I attended back in September. Yes, I've told you 500 times because I can't stop making pages about the concert! Arrrg. It's an addiction- and I'm warning you- they're not over. There's a more a comin'. Anyways- back to this page.  Oh wait, I'm also not done using my Simple Stories scraps from their collection - Cabin Fever.  Doesn't it just scream country concert? Maybe it's just me. 

Anyways, so I layered a big piece along with a layer of a slightly smaller piece on to the background. Calling for a cluster in the upper right corner and one at the bottom left- there was to be a title at the bottom with a small cluster. I thought of the clever idea of cutting out the mountains out of the cut apart papers- there were two different ones so I layered them between the layers for the base. I thought for the bottom cluster- I'd include a small piece for some journaling and build around that. Simple title with some little details. Of course, I added some layering behind all the photos because- well I'm Renee and I'm a layer addict. That was really a ramble of what I put together but I do love how it turned out!! It's so fun - I think - but again, I'm bias. 

Even though the crop is over, take a look on the Facebook group at the submissions others have put in and try your hand at the challenges! Its a great way to use up all your stash, which I'm trying so hard to do!!!  Hope you enjoyed this page, come back to check out more!! 

xo. Renee

Paper Issues Fall Crop: One Side

A few weekends ago my favorite Facebook Group/Scrapbook store, Paper Issues, had a online crop with tons of challenges and games! If you've followed me, or Paper Issues- you know they do this about twice a year and it's literally one of my favorite weekends of the year. I try to take off work and follow along bundled up in my room; which I still need to clean from the crop- I literally slept on the couch for a few days. Lord help me. This year though, I couldn't get out of it- working was a must. So I didn't get as much accomplished as I had wanted but it still provides me with inspiration for a while!

I tackled the challenge they called Fall in Line. Where you had to make a page with your focus on a line concept. So I wanted to take it all to one side of my page; forming the line with my paper layers. 

I just loved this picture my sister sent me of Halloween. I thought that this would be a perfect way to use my Doodlebugs Birthday Girl line with all the unicorns! I honestly wasn't sure how I was going to use the leftovers quite yet, but this help make a nice dent in it!! I used a paper from Pink Paislees' Summer Lights line. The colors worked so well with the girlie colors from the embellishments. The layers behind were built by scraps I had that I felt followed the color scheme. My concept is pretty simple with every page, I love layers and forming clusters with my embellishments which is what I did here as well! 

The colors just make me so happy, the page works so well!!  Even though the crop is over, take a look on the Facebook group at the submissions others have put in and try your hand at the challenges! Its a great way to use up all your scraps!!  

xo. Renee

Paper Issues : Listopia

A few weekends ago my favorite Facebook Group/Scrapbook store, Paper Issues, had a online crop with tons of challenges and games! If you've followed me, or Paper Issues- you know they do this about twice a year and it's literally one of my favorite weekends of the year. I try to take off work and follow along bundled up in my room; which I still need to clean from the crop- I literally slept on the couch for a few days. Lord help me. This year though, I couldn't get out of it- working was a must. So I didn't get as much accomplished as I had wanted but it still provides me with inspiration for a while!

One of the challenges I completed was the Listopia challenge which you had to include a list in your journaling in some form. So I decided to use more of my fall photos, because I literally take photos all the time with all the beautiful scenery around! Oh, and selfies of me, always.

I liked the 4 square set up; I layered each segment with papers from Simple Stories' Hello Fall line that I had hoarded.  I put the title on the side, I cut out the LOVE out of one of the cut apart sheets and used the Fall chipboard. I clustered embellishments on each of the 4 squares in some form as well as used some of the hexagons from the paper in various spots on the page.  Both of the spots with journal cards consist of my list of Fall Favorites (banner which I cut from one of the papers ).  

My fall favorites are endless so this is just a compact list of them all. I just think this page screams fall. It turned out perfect!! Also as always lately, I used up a bunch of my stash. Even though I've been been busting through it fairly well, it seems that it's endless. I had a goal to make it until the New Years but I think it's going to be by next summer when I get it all used up! I think it's multiplying when I'm not looking.  Let me know if I need to install a security camera over my scrap stuff. 

Even though the crop is over, take a look on the Facebook group at the submissions others have put in and try your hand at the challenges! I know I have a few I still want to tackle!! 

xo. Renee

Paper Issues Fall Crop: Cut the Craft.

A few weekends ago my favorite Facebook Group/Scrapbook store, Paper Issues, had a online crop with tons of challenges and games! If you've followed me, or Paper Issues- you know they do this about twice a year and it's literally one of my favorite weekends of the year. I try to take off work and follow along bundled up in my room; which I still need to clean from the crop- I literally slept on the couch for a few days. Lord help me. This year though, I couldn't get out of it- working was a must. So I didn't get as much accomplished as I had wanted but it still provides me with inspiration for a while!

I listed the challenges in my notebook and got to work every night when I was off. One of the pages I started with was Cut the Craft. The challenge was to use one of Paper Issues'  FREE cut files to create a page. Well- you don't have to ask me twice. Stacie always creates the best cut files and I usually grab them all up when I have the chance. For this page, I chosed her Boo Pumpkin file. The pumpkins are gorgeous!! I took it and made them two different sizes. 

I usually always cut my files out of white cardstock. I'm not sure what it is but I love the clean look they give. I backed the pumpkins with fall colored papers from my stash. (Again, using up the stash as much as I can! The crop works perfect for this!! ) I had some embellishments that were in shape of leaves but the colors were not ones I thought would go well with this page so I traced them on to brown paper. Leaves I had hoarded from Amy Tangerine's first line- yes, that old. Other embellishments were from Simple Stories fall lines that I've boughten. I -as always- layered my picture. Using the same papers I used to back the pumpkin.

I absolutely am in love with fall. Give me all the pumpkin things. Show me all the warm colors. Its my spirit weather. I am usually rather specific about what pumpkins I want , so I took myself to a pumpkin patch. I usually don't mind exploring all the things but I knew I didn't have a whole lot of time and it wasn't too busy so it was kind of boring. But I asked if I could just walk in to pick out some pumpkins without having to pay to do the extra things. The lady was accommodating and let me wander around for the perfect pumpkin. Of course, I couldn't just pick one- I need a million in all sorts of colors and sizes. To the point that I had to use a wheel barrow. The scrapbooker in me, I needed to ask for photos. Who takes a trip to a pumpkin patch without pictures? 

I hope you enjoyed this page, I loved how it turned out!! Even though the crop is over, take a look on the Facebook group at the submissions others have put in and try your hand at the challenges! Its a great way to use up all your scraps!! 

xo. Renee 

Luke Bryan Farm Tour.

Who else loves themselves some country music?? A few months ago I saw on Facebook that Luke Bryan would be making a stop in Boone, Iowa. After my immediate thought of - WTF? I mean, Boone is by no means a big city in Iowa so I was clearly confused on why he'd pick some random stop. I actually used to live in Boone for a year... before the break-up, so I was super excited about the thought of going back "home" to see friends. I- of course, had to buy tickets as soon as I could. I texted my friend saying- you have plans in September 30th. ( 4 months later.)  

So 4 months later, we went on a road trip to see Mr. Luke Bryan on his Farm Tour - which I later learned is why he was in Boone. He picks random big farms in the Midwest and performs in their fields. I had an absolute blast, we got great spots somewhat near the stage - which was perfect!! I took a million photos, danced myself up a storm and got to spend quality time with my bestie and her ladies.  So glad I got to hear about the concert, definitely a night to remember!! 

Toward the end of the concert, we got a little closer to the stage as people were leaving- hello people, there's always an encore after you think it's over. I got a few pictures that I love when he was singing and cracking open a beer. I saw a page on instagram that had a layout similar to this with 3 clusters on the top,bottom, and middle of the paper.  With the country feel, I thought it would be a great time to use the camping line from Simple Stories although the papers are from my stash and have no tie to each other.  I cut the papers in to strips as a base for my clusters then went crazy with all the embellishments. I was so excited though when I remembered the background paper in my stash; thought the road in the middle of no where would be perfect for this!! I loved it when I bought it but honestly had no idea where I was going to go with it.  

I love how the page turned out. Its one of my favorites I've done in a while! I have more photos and more pages I want to make documenting the concert. So look for them to come soon!! 

xo. Renee

Happy Birthday to Me!

Ah, I can't believe its been almost a month since my birthday but life goes fast when you're having fun. Or... working... all the times. It's also been that long since I made a page using the birthday photos! I was really wanting to finally use a birthday collection by Pink Paislee I found at the local scrapbook store so I got excited when a birthday finally came around. Luckily it was mine! Sneaky how that works. 

I actually came up with the idea while I was on a run of how I wanted to lay out the design. It's not exactly as I envisioned but pretty close. And yes, I know - it's not entirely creative but it's the fussy cut parts that make it creative in my head. One of the papers had a pattern of the various light shades all over- I cut them out to form them in to a string like pattern across segments of the page.  Same with the triangles- they were not originally formed in to banners, I just laid them along the same path as the light shades. 

I wanted an open type face - I turned to my trusty Paper Issues for a file that I thought would fit my plan. Their cut files are free and work with all the cut machines such as silhouette. I have yet to find one I don't like - I just haven't downloaded them all yet. I try to contain myself until I need it. I actually backed the pieces with scraps I found that fit colors from the collection which is always great for my stash pile. I also fussy cut various little things from one of the papers- such as the presents and balloons to use as embellishments as I didn't have any from the collection other than puffy stickers. Which I also used in various spots. 

I wish my mixed media would have turned out stronger; but my color turned out being too light in contrast to the rest of the colors on the page. I love how fun and colorful it turned out! Works perfectly for my birthday! Thanks to my wonderful bestie for helping me celebrate a great girls day with her sweet foreign exchange girls. I'm so lucky to start year 31 in a wonderful way! 

xo. Renee

Starbucks in the Fall.

I'm actually sitting in a Starbucks typing this. How fitting, but I bought a new computer- simply couldn't wait to get home to play with it. What a great opportunity to get a fall Starbucks drink. Anyone else find this one of their favorite parts of fall? The fun cups, the all things pumpkin coming back to life? Okay so maybe it's just me, but I have to get a PSL as soon as it begins to pop up! 

This year it fell on my birthday that I would get an opportunity to jump on the boat. And of course, I had to snapchat the moment in to my story. #basicwhitegirl. I'm not going to lie, I'm not a HUGE fan of the cups for fall this year but little did I know, it would fit perfectly with my scrapbook page. Because who doesn't scrapbook their starbucks drink?? 

I followed along with another Paper Issues Challenge; their Sketchy Saturday I believe. I also as I have been doing lately, used up plenty of my stash with this page. Fussy cut the leaves I've been waiting to use from Shimelle's older collection and most of my embellishments were from Pebbles' Girl Power line. It had little coffee cups and leaves as well so it worked perfectly with a fall coffee page- as well as the blue cup! As you can tell, I used my cup ( rinsed out - of course. ) as an embellishment piece in my page also!  I love how it all turned out together. I'm always amazed at how things go together even when they weren't designed for that purpose. 

I'm learning more about my skills as well as creativity by using what I have hoarded for so long. I am literally too excited for this adventure and I'm sincerely sorry for blabbering about it in every entry lately. I'm hopeful to make it to the new year without having to buy any other supplies excluding the essentials such as glue/tape. I do have my heart set on one line though that I may excuse myself for only because I know it'll fly off fast and if I use birthday money, it doesn't count as splurging right?? I'll tell myself that anyways!! As always, check out the Paper Issues' Facebook group for inspiring projects and challenges. Their store also is a great place for supplies- if you join their group, there's always discount codes as well as sales going on!! 

xo. Renee

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First Day of School.

How is it that my niece is in middle school? What the heck happened? I feel entirely too old right now. She grew like a weed- has such long little legs. I think she needs to be shrunk in the dryer. I feel I blinked and this all just happened. I can't even imagine what my sister is feeling. So here they are beginning school, ahhh- how I miss that part of fall but kind of glad I don't have the rest of the year to deal with.  ANYWAYS! I had to make pages of the pictures! It's so fun to be included still on their first day fun even when we're across the country. 

When I saw the pictures of my niece, excluding the tissues I felt like grabbing- I immediately thought of the Girl Power line I have by Pebbles. I hadn't even used it yet- yes, hoarding thing is horrible. It would be perfect for her! She's such a strong, independent lady already; she's really going places and I'm so excited for her! I wanted to use so many of the pieces because they fit the tween stage and girl power she's displaying. How fun is it all put together??

Then of course, they had to have photos taken together! How goofy are they?? Love it. I got inspired from Instagram to make a page with circles so I came across this paper from Shimelles Little You. I cut out all the circles my little hands could handle then scattered them around the circle I traced on the paper.  Added clusters of embellishments and journaling. I thought this collection went so well with going back to school. Turned out perfectly for how awesome they are!! 

I'm so proud to be their aunt; they are such loving, sweet souls. They'll do amazing things in this lifetime- I can feel it. With everything crazy going on in the world, I know these guys will be a pair of the good people still left for this generation. Please pray for the world, for these sweet little people who need a safe place to be when the day is done. I hope that some answers will come in the time coming soon or for at least them as they grow older.  They don't deserve this craziness. 

xo. Renee

Friend Night.

You know it's a good time when your snapchat stories are flooded with goofy photos with your best friends. And you know, you'll get good scrapbook pages when you save all those photos to your phone. So this is what happens when those photos are printed. 

I saw an idea ( as usual ) from Instagram. Of course, I forget who it was I scraplifted but I promise that this was not whole heartedly my design. I saw how the girl used her sayings paper from one of Amy Tangerine's collections. Cutting them out and using them scattered however she saw fit on a white paper so it kind of blended in which I loved. So I took this idea and ran with it because I have been hoarding this paper for a while as I had no idea what to do with it but I couldn't not have it! 

I arranged sayings that I cut out that I felt fitting down the middle of the page leaving space for the photos which I layered with the cut aparts from this line. I also stuck stickers from the line as well as embellishments between the layers on both sides. My journaling I did along the side of the paper, don't ask me why but it just worked out that way. 

I made two pages with photos from this night; including this gem of me with the beer pitcher.  I used the sketch from the Paper Issues  challenge as inspiration for this page as well as my title was based off the idea I did earlier with a different page. I had so much fun with it and it uses so many of my alphas.  I also got to use up a lot of scraps and product from Fancy Pants Family line including also some beer related embellishments from Paper House Productions.  I thought it ended up being a fun, sassy page - the title adds a little spunk to my already goofy picture. Title is lyrics from Drinking Problem by Midland. 

Hope you enjoyed my pages and are inspired to use up your stash!! Join me at Paper Issues for their monthly challenges!!

xo. Renee

New Kittens!

After the loss of our sweet Sienna and Pumpkin this summer, our house was far to quiet for our own good. I wasn't sure that my dad would even listen really to my suggestion to look at animals at our local Humane Society open house. But Dad asked for the time and in a car we were. I was a bit surprised at his reaction but I think he was lonesome for animal interaction as we all were. (Just not as willing to admit it.) 

Dad kind of wanted a black kitten, he always seemed to have good luck with them. So he was drawn to this particular little black kitten. He held him and the kitten turned my dad in to a pile of goo with all of his kitty purrs. Of course, we had to check out all the other adorable felines but Dad just never put the black kitten down. Even when he was playing with the others. 

So I guess our decision was made, this little black kitten was going to be ours. Although as we were filling out paper work, the lady said "You know he has a brother, and we would like them to be adopted together."  Without a moment of hesitation, Dad asked which kitten was his brother. This little gray tiger striped kitten was shown to us. We were only intending for one kitten but Dad said - "Well, I'd hate to split them up." and boom, we came home with two. 

So it begins our journey with two kittens. Mom and Dad happened to be on the phone with the grandchildren when we were discussing names for these little guys. Shouting options from the other side, a lot were declined- Dad has had a lot of black cats so common names were already taken. Finally she said Stormy and Smokey. Well perfect! We now have names for our crazy babies. Smokey is our gray striped little guy and Stormy is our black kitten. 

I think all of our phones are filled with millions of photos and they're finding anything to get their paws on. We simply can't get enough of them and so far it's been quite the experience, it's been so long since we've had a beeb of any kind in the house. 

Both pages were made with photos of them cuddling, of course- I have a thousand. I loved also getting to use up some of my stash with the baby boy line by Crate Paper as well as other scraps/supplies that match up with the line.  And I saw an idea on the Paper Issues Facebook group which inspired me to use up some cactus supplies I've been hoarding for the second page. Both turned out perfect!! I repeat it every page  but I'm so excited to see my stash dwindling. I've needed this for so long- although I'm still drooling over the newer stuff - Cassie has been missing charging my card. 

Hope you enjoy my crazy kittens, I promise - no I'm certain- you'll be seeing a ton more of them along the way!!

xo. Renee

Softball.

I love creeping on my Instagram to find different ideas on how to do pages. I found an idea done by Irit in the Hip Kit Club using circles and layering them similar to I have on this page. I thought this idea would be perfect for the circles in the Pink Paislee/Paige Evan's lines. I believe a few of her lines have these circle pattern on the paper with a pattern on one side, a saying on the other. I apologize, I have had a few of them cut up so I'm not for certain. 

Either way, I had a punch that fit the circles to a T so I took the punch to the paper and cut all of the remaining ones out to begin the process on this page! 

I took the circles and cut 1/3 of the bottoms off so I could layer them on the bottom as well as the top. I also put one strip of her paper boarders I cut out on the bottom to cover up some of my messiness on the circles.  What's great about Paige's collections is that they go well together so I have a mesh of various pieces together. I layered behind the photo as I always do, placed an area for some journaling as well layered and embellished around that.  I love all the various pieces in her collection Oh My Heart, just kind of goes well with my personality I think. As well as the bright colors, how fun is it?? 

I wanted to scrapbook this picture of me from playing softball with my church league this summer! I had so much fun playing softball again, literally- its been ages and you can tell in my fine batting skills. I stuck to playing in the outfield for the most part so I didn't have to work too hard on fast balls coming at me and thinking where to throw it again. I was too afraid I'd mess it up for the team and even though I know they didn't care; I would have felt horrible! I'm just glad they accepted me to play with them - just a fun activity I haven't gotten to do in a while and didn't realize how much I missed that type of thing.  This is the type of memory I love capturing and scrapbooking most, something I'll want to remember for sure in years to come!

xo. Renee

Bon Fire.

What I love about summer nights are the bon fires at my friend's house. The smell, the smores, the drinks and the conversation- which is endless. This night I think I didn't even get home til 4 in the morning. Gave my parents a bit of a fright, but we just had great things to say even when we've known each other for years! 

I thought this photo would be perfect for my Simple Stories Cabin Fever stash. Fell in love with it, but again- I didn't do much adventures this summer as I was hoping so thankfully this occasion worked well for this line!

With one of the papers, I drew out the letters for the word BON FIRE then cut them out. I decided instead of using the O- that's where I would place the photo which I cut in to a circle. I built a cluster beside the photo with different embellishments I cut out from the cut aparts as well as stickers. I did the same in the word fire with a cut apart to use for journaling then used embellishments beside it.  I loved how the page turned out and it helped use up stash I wasn't sure how I'd be able to use.

Am I weird that I'm getting some pleasure out of using up all my stash? I've been banging out pages I never would have thought before even though I've had these papers for a while. Crazy how that happens if you just limit yourself and expand your creativity. I also have been trying to make a way for them to work for the Paper Issues' monthly challenges on their Facebook page. I can't even begin to express how excited I am for their fall crop coming up- more challenges to bang out this stash! You'll have to stay tuned to see how that works!! 

xo. Renee

Happy Birthday Eli!!

I tackled another task of using up some more of my stash. I couldn't wait to scrap these pictures of my friend's sweet son, Eli on his first birthday! How adorable is he honestly?? Can't get enough.

I had some birthday supplies that I don't believe I had the whole collection of - so I kind felt the need to go through my stash to find colors that matched the pieces I did have. This all kind of fell together just right! 

I drew out a sunray type pattern on to a piece of random cardstock- cut it out than traced each piece on to the different colored scraps I had in order. Pieced them together on the background I wanted to use. Same process went for the smaller rays in front of them- although my cutting job wasn't as neat that time around. I layered behind the photos with embellishment pieces from the collection I did want to use. As well as cluster with embellishments at the top kitty corner bottom. I always love a little cluster on the bottom as well- I think I just love embellishments all over. Truth? 

I splattered some paint around the pages by the clusters as well as added enamel dots and chunky glitter. I just love these photos- he's such an adorable baby. I love him and his family so much! I'm so happy that I got to spend his first birthday with him- what a journey it's been for you little boy and you're just beginning!  Can't wait to see where life guides you! 

xo. Renee

Almighty God.

I think I've shared with you before how I've been sort of playing with the Bible Journaling concept. I know I'm not an avid participant but I do find it therapeutic to do after church. Just kind of gets my thoughts of the service or what I enjoyed down on some form of paper. 

I fell in love with a song we sang at service a few weeks ago- Only King Forever by Elevation Worship. It just spoke to me and I loved it so when I got home, I searched around online for a verse that I felt was relevant to how I interpreted the song.  I chose the verse Matthew 28 19-20 which says

 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

I usually outline or highlight the said verse, than decorate as I see fit. Digged around in all my Illustrated Faith supplies that I keep together in a bag for ones I thought would fit the verse.  Using acrylic paints with colors that match to create the smears I've seen on various other people's pages - a technique I have fallen love with. Stamped a few other accents - although I'm horrible at the stamping technique.  This is another way I have been using my alpha stash- finding ones that match my color scheme and outlining what I wanted to illustrate- such as the lyrics to the song. 

I love how it turned out- definitely one of my favorites so far! I am just so excited that I've found this church as well as this method of exploring your bible. It's brought me back to my faith which had always been in my heart solid more stable. Makes my heart happy. 

xo. Renee 

Light It Up.

I'm back with another scrapbook page! I'm kind of on a roll with making them, not so much on blogging them. I apologize- I'm working to try harder this month!! 

Earlier this year when all the summer lines came out, I jumped on the boat and bought them all. Shocking- I know. But I realize I hardly took any pictures this summer; or do anything that exciting to be honest. So I'm using my summer lines with random photos - praying it doesn't look too horrible! 

I saw - I believe- Cat Martin do a page on Paper Issues Facebook Page that used all different alphas as her title and I swooned. What a great way to use up some alphas, because you know - I have a huge thicker hoard- on top of everything else in my stash. I used this photo that I took with of course, a snapchat filter. It's the only way I live anymore, I think I'm 10 x prettier and anything boosting my confidence is a win in my book. The colors in my clothes I thought went perfect with Pink Paislee's Summer Lights collection. All the pretty oranges,pinks, and purple! Even though it had nothing to do with beaches or summer, I did my regular clusters of embellishments around the photo as well as the top right corner. Layered behind with different pieces in my stash and added banner from a past Dear Lizzy collection. 

I love how it turned out with all the colors, it feels so summery and perfect!! I also like incorporating songs in to my pages that I can't get out of my head- hopefully in the future I'll look back and remember how much I loved the song! Again, like I've been doing all summer- I also used up some of my stash and makes me so excited to watch it windle down. I'm hoping Cassie doesn't hate me too much but I promise, when I get my stash down to a normal size - Paper Issues will be the first place I go to restock up!! 

When I Needed A Paw ....

When I said this was a tough summer, that wasn't even all that this summer entailed. If one animal in our family passing wasn't enough, we had to lose them both. 

The beginning of this summer shortly after we found out that Pumpkin had diabetes, we had to make the unfortunate choice of putting down our sweet girl, Sienna. She had also been having a rough few months- just not eating much of anything and having other stomach issues that were out of the normal for her. We've seen a few vets, taken on the blood test, and did all the x-rays. But nothing was really pointing in our favor for answers. She was acting normal for the most part, still her bouncy loving self. So that's what was making it all so difficult.  

Again, it was just her acting very strange one day that just made Dad think- this is just the end of the road for her and suffering anymore would just be unnecessary. Because as much as she wasn't showing it, she had to be at some extent and a great faker. After a talk with the vet, a decision was made.  We all took our time with her giving her tons of hugs, letting her run freely around the yard, and shedding too many tears. Our leading lady would have to cross the bridge. 

It still stings all the time not to have her in our house, she along with her brother Jake whom my sister with her husband adopted 11 years ago became a big part of our lives. My dad couldn't stand the thought of them having to be separated if that would to happen; so when my sister made the move to the big cities- our house is where they came. To say my Dad loved them would be an understatement, not that he would ever turn down an animal; but his heart surely grew a million sizes when he met these two pups. 

Losing Jake two summers ago was difficult, oddly enough - it was when I had my break up. Sienna and I took many nights running/walking to just ease the pain. We had something in common- losing our boys. I also took a chance on Sienna that summer, letting her explore the world without a leash. Weird- I know- but she's a runner, without her leash we'd assume she'd be in New York. But she proved us all wrong and trotted along side of us around the yard - we wished everyday we had tried it sooner perhaps it was just in timing. 

Who knew that her last year of her life would be filled with endless car rides, tons of running adventures- she surely couldn't have been happier. Maybe it was just how it was meant to be. I miss her everyday- still can't look out my bedroom window without looking down at her kennel waiting for her to be looking up at me with her wiggly butt. The happy thought I keep thinking though is that she's finally with her best friend Jake again, I can't even imagine what their reuniting was like in heaven. Bouncing around and licks for sure. 

When I needed a hand, she surely did give me her paw- time and time again.  

Love you Sienna. 

xo. Renee

My Hardest Goodbye.

I think I knew this would be one of the hardest summers from the beginning.  

I found out early in May that my sweet love ( my cat, Pumpkin.) was sick with diabetes.  I knew the results before she even told me, he was acting just as our past cat had when he was sick. I just was hoping maybe , just maybe- something else was wrong. Of course, she offered the choices- and to each their own, I weighed the pros and cons. My choice was not easy but I knew that I didn't have the time nor the adequate money at this time to give him the care that I know deep inside he deserved. 

So I spent my time cherishing every hug... every meow. I knew I was definitely battling time with my soul mate. It sounds bizarre, trust me- I'm well aware. How do I go thinking that my cat could be my soul mate? Maybe he isn't. But he definitely feels like one of my great loves.  

I got him when I was living on my own in my favorite apartment back in 2006. I had struggled a lot for a while with different things and it came to a time where everything had finally came to a stand still. I felt it was time for a pet. So I went to Pet Smart to look in the little adoption corner and there I spotted 3 orange kittens. I know I played with one of them before I played with Pumpkin but all I can remember is him hiding behind my feet. I told him to come out little pumpkin. I bought an orange color and claimed him as my mine.  

With all my life changes, even when I left him behind- he was my one thing that remained the same. He greeted me when I came home to visit, waited by my door for me to wake up. His love for his family was more than apparent - always checking on his people when he knew something was wrong. Even in happy moments, keeping conversations with his meows. His conversational skills could put most grown humans to shame.  He was so smart, so tricky. But yet, so unlike any other cat I've ever met. 

There's so many words to use for him and yet, I'm at a loss on how just to put it so it does justice. 

I prepared myself because I knew it was coming with each passing day. I just told myself I wanted to end this before I felt he was suffering. I literally had a conversation with my best friend days before that I just felt it was time. I felt he was ready to be home. That next day he just wasn't himself at all... we called the vet... she never answered. But I held him in the hallway and told him it was okay. I loved him with all of my heart. No one could replace my Monkey.  We all went to sleep and Pumpkin passed away. 

And that morning to keep my mind preoccupied, I made this page of a few of the selfies I made him suffer through. It was the only thing I could think of. Seems like when life goes all wrong, scrapbooking is my therapy. I used the sketch from the Paper Issues Sketch Challenge this month, and it worked perfectly. Also, I finally also got to use up what was left of my Cocoa Vanilla  Wild @ Heart collection. Turned out perfect for my love for Pumpkin. 

Love you more than words Monkey. 

xo. Renee

A Beautiful Wedding.

So earlier this summer I was in an old and dear friend's wedding, I know we haven't kept in contact as much as we should of being we're both in the same town. But that's always how life happens. It definitely came as a shock to me that she asked me to be a part of her day, but I couldn't say no- we were so close for so long. Who knew our middle school dreams would actually come true? ( Now I need to work on that part, marriage...men...) 

But I have to say as confused as I started out being, it has become one of my favorite memories of this summer and turned out so beautiful. I had to scrapbook the photos! Hell, if I'm not getting married- someone should be. And I want to capture it. 

I followed with the same trend I've been doing this summer- which is using the hell out of my stash. It's going to die one day right?? Probably not, but a girl can dream.  On Paper Issues' Facebook group, one of the challenges was to scraplift a page that looked fairly similar to this page. So when I saw the lady used tons of squares/scraps to form some quilted pattern on the bottom- boom, this will work perfect with my stash. I gathered similar collections if you can't tell- majority Crate Paper or Maggie Holmes and went to town forming some pattern on the bottom half of the page.  I just layered behind the photos with various other pieces of the paper as well as clustered embellishments that matched with it. It turned out just perfect! I loved that I had these two coordinating pictures also that made this page so easy to do!! 

I also came up with this gem using a photo of me carrying my bouquet and shoes which I thought was so pretty. I used the same stash I built up for the other page except took it in a different direction. Using some mixed media/water color behind the clusters of embellishments. Loved finally using more of my flowers I had leftover. I also love how I used the XOXO glitter piece. I've loved it for a while and never knew how to use it in a way that I would love it. I think this is honestly one of my favorite pages I've done. Just makes me happy. 

I will have a few more pages with this wedding, I can't wait to show you them when I get a chance to take photos of them! I also am loving using up my stash and cranking out gems I didn't know were possible!!  Thanks for checking out on what I've been doing, share your work also!!

xo. Renee

Scrapping Summer.

Now that I'm trying to get my blog back in action, I wanted to show you some of my latest pages I've been doing! This summer so far with my scrapbook pages I have been trying to use up my stash.  

Which surprisingly has gone really well!! Too bad I have more stash than I know what to do with.. But I haven't bought in a little while either which is a plus! Although I'm sure Cassie (my dealer, aka owner of Paper Issues.) would disagree. 

I had a few photos from things I've done this summer that I thought I'd scrapbook. Granted I have plenty of summer lines - newer than these- but I have to just get some of this out of my way. 

In the thought of using up stash, I have plenty of alphas up the gazoo to also use. So I thought I'd take this page in a mixed media direction by scattering the alphas then covering with gesso. Also splotching some cordinating watercolor around the alpha clusters.   I have been hoarding this Simple Stories Summer Line - Summer Vibes.  I just love the colors also the ombre /sunset look. So I thought no better time than now to use it! Documenting playing some corn hole with my bestie and her family.  I may or may not have had to con her brother in to taking photos so I could actually be in one, but I got it! 

 I did another page with my Simple Stories stash except this time with their other summer collection- You Are Here. I saw a page with someone using their paper strips behind the photo, so I took bits of the collection I had left to do the same. As well as did it for another cluster where I would include the journaling. I'm glad I actually have been taking photos this summer,  I thank snapchat for being there  for me. Haha, also that my story is available for 24 hours- plenty of time to remember to screen shot the photos. 

I know I've been a bit sparse this summer but I have been scrapbooking some so I will be filling you in on my pages! I am not quite sure what happened but I let this blog fall to the wayside. I promise I will be trying hard to capture that back up. Also I need to fill you in on other parts of my life, so hopefully you'll stick around as I chase my miles and create my memories once again. 

xo. Renee

Bible Journaling: My beginning.

I'm not even sure where to begin this post because I've been gone for so long and my scrapbooking has kind of fell to the wayside; when I haven't had projects to do or pictures to take. But I have taken a new adventure that I want to show you guys!! 

There's this new trend popping up in the scrapbook world for those whom are spiritual called bible journaling. I'm sure this isn't anything new, as I've heard all the time of people keeping valuable information in their bibles as well as their own notes. But this kind of takes a cross of scrapbooking materials with your own notetaking/artwork in the bibles.  Search it on Instagram or  my Pinterest- theres so many examples! 

I did my first page based on my favorite verse- Phil 4:13. I saw this quote among my supplies and felt that it went perfect with the verse. Used acrylic paints with a palette knife to create the background along with stamps.

I have always felt connected with my spiritual side. I just didn't think I found a way or a place to express myself in a way that I felt comfortable with. When I discovered bible journaling, I decided this just may be the moment it clicks for me.

The background is various watercolors along with stamping. I used some printables from the Print & Pray shop as well as various alphas I had in my stash that went perfectly with the bold colors!  Lyrics from Resurrecting. 

I saw this as an opportunity to explore a church that friends of mine have talked about. It can't hurt to explore something new. Even the fact that I've upset people by taking this journey, I think I've found something that comforts me. I'm excited about church- I love the music, the sermons. Kinda just reaches in for me.

Again I did some watercolor technique in the background, using various alphas and embellishments from Illustrated Faith. Lyrics from Good, Good Father. 

Anyways so to take all that information- I've processed it in to my own bible pages that I'm showing you! I bought a special journaling bible to use for this purpose. Journaling bibles come with a 2 in margin which makes for great space to use so you don't have to cover up too much of the Word if you don't prefer. A lot of the stuff I have gathered is from the Illustrated Faith product line by Bella Blvd- although being I have a zillion alphas- those are various companies. Need to use stuff before I buy more and alphas are for sure- the thing I have far too many of.  

I love that I have came across this idea, this is only the beginning of the journey and I can't wait to keep showing you what I create!  

xo. Renee